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Good to see you back, Lamp. I wouldn't sell the Leafs short this year, I think they can hang with anybody. What do you think about Phaneuf getting snubbed for the Olympics? I'm a distant relation of his.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
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I got to live through the whole Bobby Hull jump to the WHA and then the oncoming Euro invasion and the Red Army juggernaut years. My thoughts on the Russians play is simply that they're not Soviet, elite trained machines of the past! They're mostly westernized, semi US citizens! They've tasted the good life and although still hard nosed Russians stars they're not that we'll oiled, seriously disciplined Red Army team of the past. That's gone. I won't say for good (see Vlady Putin) But for a long while at least.
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I got to live through the whole Bobby Hull jump to the WHA and then the oncoming Euro invasion and the Red Army juggernaut years. My thoughts on the Russians play is simply that they're not Soviet, elite trained machines of the past! They're mostly westernized, semi US citizens! They've tasted the good life and although still hard nosed Russians stars they're not that we'll oiled, seriously disciplined Red Army team of the past. That's gone. I won't say for good (see Vlady Putin) But for a long while at least.
Russian Goaltending is meh nowadays.. Bob is a solid goalie but when compared to Quick, Price, etc.. He's not at that level.
The Russian hockey team that dominated international hockey in the 60-'s and 70's was a product of that era. Communism, etc... It was a unique time. Makes that US win that much more special..
They're also top heavy in ridiculous talent. 4 superstars who all work magic with the puck. If you got those guys to play together all year round? Maybe, but otherwise for a 2 week tournament it's really hard. Reminds me a lot of that 2004 usa basketball team that failed miserably in Greece. Lots of talent just not up to par.
Give credit to the Canada team for having a similar problem and guys just flat out swallong their pride and making sacrifices...
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I've been rooting for the sharks for the past 5 years or so. I'm a casual fan, but I would love to see them get over the hump. No more choking in the playoffs. In the east I like the blue jackets, and penguins.
I don't root for the Sharks, but I like seeing them win (if the Hawks were out of it). Something about a city with only one team. I'd be okay if they go all the way this year.
Outside of the two ears the Hawks won it all, I'd say my 3rd favorite run to a title was the Kings a few years back. They were the 8 seed, they straight up slaughtered every team and even nailed a few Hawks rivals along the way. That was memorable. Unfortunately, I don't have a Cleveland run for a title in the top 3, I hope that changes soon (or at least before I'm gone).
I'm still worried about the Blues. With Ryan Miller between the pipes, I think they might be the team to beat in the West. I know, the Ducks are great too, but something about them doesn't worry me all that much.
As for the East, I want the Blue Jackets to get in and win at least one series. I know the Hawks demolish them every time they play, but I really like their team. I know they're the 9th or 10th seed right now, I just hope they can put together a run to get in. I think they just missed last year too. In the playoffs, I'm taking the Rangers and Flyers deep. I think those two teams have "it".
![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/Punchsmack/punch.gif) “...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
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Ha ha ha...didn't even know the Avs and Blues were playing today. Sure enough, the just Blues won 2-1 in Colorado. See, I told you the Blues were better.  
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
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I don't root for the Sharks, but I like seeing them win (if the Hawks were out of it). Something about a city with only one team.
They're basically the SF Sharks. Bay area.
As far as the Blues go, it looks like Miller is fitting in nicely. I still don't trust him in the playoffs.
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Rich Peverley collapses on bench, Stars-Blue Jackets postponed By Brian Stubits | Hockey writer March 10, 2014 8:07 pm CT
The Dallas Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets game was postponed on Monday night after Stars forward Rich Peverley collapsed on the bench during the game. Peverley was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition, according to the NHL.
Peverley, who missed time early this season with an irregular heartbeat, was taken down the tunnel just a few minutes into the game by the Stars staff. With play going on the ice, the Stars bench went into a frenzy as players screamed for help and for play to stop. Immediately, the medical staff was on the scene and rushing Peverley down the tunnel.
The PA announcer informed the crowd that Peverley was taken to the hospital and that he is conscious, which is about as good of news as one could hope for in this situation. Absolutely eerie scene at American Airlines Center.
The Stars gave more updates on Peverley's condition and it was indeed an issue with his heart.
"Per Dr. Salazar, Peverley was aware of where he was when became conscious and wanted to get back in to the game."
Hockey players, sheesh. Sounds like the dudes heart stopped, or something near it, and they revived him with a defibrillator. Way to go medical staff! You know who gets the first star for the night!  There's a video of it in the link.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
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I saw some of the footage from the game, really scary. I guess someone in the crowd was a doctor and came down. This has happened a few times over the last 5 or 6 years. I believe Kris Letang had a stroke back in January... I did laugh when I read that as soon as he regained consciousness, he asked hwo much time was left in the first, and if he could get back out there. Typical hockey player 
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Is it that hockey players are that tough or it's a competition of who has the best "X happened and I played out my shifts the rest of the night story"? Come on, there isn't much better than "my heart stopped for a minute, I got defibb'd, and I played the rest of the game while having a positive +/-." 
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
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Is it that hockey players are that tough or it's a competition of who has the best "X happened and I played out my shifts the rest of the night story"?
Come on, there isn't much better than "my heart stopped for a minute, I got defibb'd, and I played the rest of the game while having a positive +/-."
It's a mix. Nobody wants to be the guy who didn't try to come back. I think hockey creates more adrenaline in an athlete while playing than most other sports.
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Good to see you back, Lamp. I wouldn't sell the Leafs short this year, I think they can hang with anybody. What do you think about Phaneuf getting snubbed for the Olympics? I'm a distant relation of his.
I'll be honest about him, even though he's your blood
I LOVE his physical play, he's a big strong body who will knock guys around. Good shot. I watch the Leafs a lot and I find sometimes he stickhandles his way into trouble, trying to do too muhc.
Classy captain, though, as ya probably know we just signed him long-term and I'm happy with that.
As for the Olympics, I understood him not getting picked: their were too many great D for Canada's brass to choose from, and his style of play is better suited to the smaller North American rinks IMO.
![[Linked Image from i28.photobucket.com]](http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/shadedog/mcenroe2.jpg) gmstrong -----------------
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Looks like we have a few series' already locked in for next week...
Colorado and Chicago is a sure thing right now. Home ice is still up for grabs. I think it's confirmed that Matt Duchene will be out for the entire round. That's a huge blow. I think most will just chalk this up to the Hawks moving on, but the Avs have owned the Hawks this year. They've been a talented team the last few years, but I think Patrick Roy set all of them in gear. There were reports of them being lazy, and at one point near the end of last season, were expressing excitement for post-season vacations (while there was still hockey left to play) Fast forward to this year and it's been a 180. They are REALLY talented. I root for the hawks but the hockey fan in me just can't wait for the series. Looks like Toews and Kane will be back and the Hawks will be 100% healthy and ready to go. They're also finally playing better.
I think the other series we are almost assured of is San Jose and Los Angeles, and that's also going to be an absolute battle. I believe I picked LA before the season, and they're flying under the radar now. They need to get hot. I think the clock is ticking on this San Jose group. Thornton, Marleau, etc.. Those guys aren't getting any younger...
Boston looks like the clear favorite to win it all, if you ask me. I know their conference is weaker, but that team is built for playoff hockey and to see them in that mode already is scary.
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I'm worried about Kane and Toews. Hockey players play when they're hurt. The Hawks say they'll be 100% for the playoffs. If that was the case, wouldn't they be playing right now? I understand the concept that this is a good excuse to rest them and make sure they don't re-injure anything, but at some point, doesn't the hockey player mindset of playing at all costs take over? As for their play, they seem to be playing well despite missing those two. Going on the road to play the Avs doesn't fill me with confidence, but this team is filled with vets that know how to battle in the postseason, so maybe home ice advantage gets washed away. I'm excited though. As for the East, I just don't know. I picked the Flyers and Rangers a month or so ago to advance to the Finals, so I may stick with that (well, not both...they are my two favorites). I'd like to see Montreal win too. Boston almost looks too good right now. Great offense, great goltending, playing well...I smell a tankjob coming. I'm also hoping Columbus finds a way to get in. It'd be great to see them make some noise and show Urban Meyer that there IS a pro team in town and worthy of watching.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
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but at some point, doesn't the hockey player mindset of playing at all costs take over?
I don't have the "hockey player mindset" cuz I've never played hockey.
But I can only imagine that when push comes to shove, the "I'm a million dollar athlete and my team needs me full strength for the stretch run" mindsets takes over before the "hockey player mindset"
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I'm worried about Kane and Toews. Hockey players play when they're hurt. The Hawks say they'll be 100% for the playoffs. If that was the case, wouldn't they be playing right now? I understand the concept that this is a good excuse to rest them and make sure they don't re-injure anything, but at some point, doesn't the hockey player mindset of playing at all costs take over?
As for their play, they seem to be playing well despite missing those two. Going on the road to play the Avs doesn't fill me with confidence, but this team is filled with vets that know how to battle in the postseason, so maybe home ice advantage gets washed away. I'm excited though.
As for the East, I just don't know. I picked the Flyers and Rangers a month or so ago to advance to the Finals, so I may stick with that (well, not both...they are my two favorites). I'd like to see Montreal win too. Boston almost looks too good right now. Great offense, great goltending, playing well...I smell a tankjob coming.
I'm also hoping Columbus finds a way to get in. It'd be great to see them make some noise and show Urban Meyer that there IS a pro team in town and worthy of watching.
You'll never know with injuries because of how secretive they are about them. I'm a little more worried for Kane because it's allegedly a knee injury... I think with Tazer, they saw an opportunity to rest him, and get him ready for a playoff run. Remember, he went deep into the Olympics, and he had the cup run last year. I know they all did, but I don't know if anyone in the NHL works as hard as that guy. He's a horse.
I think C-Bus gets in. I like the way that team plays. They're building something really nice, and they are doing it the right way.
What worries me the most about Avs/Hawks (for the Hawks case) is that Colorado knows how to take away space from the Hawks, and that is really, really hard to do. Even Boston had their issues with it in the finals. They're a young and fast team with a coach who is kicking them in the rear end constantly. That's a bad mix for a team like the Hawks who may lack a bit of hunger considering they won it all last year. I think just naturally you lose some of that extra.
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And that's why teams don't repeat very often. All those extra games last year, the parties, new team commitments, playing every night this season as the defending champs + the Olympics...that's gotta effect them.
Good point about Kane. He went down like a pound of bricks and I haven't heard a word about him since (other than the initial report of him being all set for the playoffs). They had originally said he might return to play the last two games, but who knows. It wouldn't surprise me to find out his ACL was torn.
The NHL handles injury reports like Bill Belichick. "Kane is out with a lower body injury" Kind of funny how they can get away with it.
It will stink if the Hawks don't make a deep run this season, but nothing will erase the ending from last year. Hollywood would have had a tough time writing a better script.
I just want their playoffs to start. And then the NBA playoffs starts right behind them (which isn't something I'm following very close, but it's still nice to know it'll be on every night). AND then the draft should be right behind, but noooooooooo, the NFL had to move it to May. Dumb.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
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but at some point, doesn't the hockey player mindset of playing at all costs take over?
I don't have the "hockey player mindset" cuz I've never played hockey.
But I can only imagine that when push comes to shove, the "I'm a million dollar athlete and my team needs me full strength for the stretch run" mindsets takes over before the "hockey player mindset"
There are so many examples of these guys doing exactly the opposite because it's just part of the NHL code. If you can play, you do your part to help the team.
To an extent, I think most sports are the same way, but those NHLers take it to a whole different level. "Put the teeth that feel out in a bag, close up the cut with a staple and make it fast, my shift is coming up."
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
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I would love to see another deep Hawks run, but am expecting otherwise. I am leaning towards taking Colorado in that matchup. I'm excited for the playoffs as a whole though.
I am kind of sad that Toronto is slipping out of the race... You have to question the leadership in that dressing room. Bernier being in and out doesn't help either. There's good talent on that squad.
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I've said it a dozen times on here, the Leafs are the Browns of the NHL. If something can go wrong for them, it will.
They are such a depressing team.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
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I've said it a dozen times on here, the Leafs are the Browns of the NHL. If something can go wrong for them, it will.
They are such a depressing team.
I know we have talked about that on here, but the similarities are pretty hilarious...
Even now this year, both teams have good players. Kessel, Phaneuf, Kadri, JVR, Lupul, Bernier, Raymond are all good solid players. They've got Dave Bolland who was a part of 2 Stanley cup teams and played huge minutes in that first cup run with the Blackhawks...
I think they could be better roster-wise, but I think there is a big leadership problem in that dressing room. You can't even really blame that epic collapse against Boston last year either, because they had come out this season playing well. They just could not settle things down when times got bad..
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J/C
CBJ should get in barring any major meltdowns. I'm not too sure how we'll do if we get in. I think we'll fare okay until we get to the Pens. We've beat pretty much everyone else in the conference except them.
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I'm telling ya, Philly is the team to beat in the East. Okay, Boston looks okay too. I still a little irked that the Hakws dropped an egg against Washington last night. They could have put themselves into a position to get the #4 seed. Oh well. The Sharks make me a little nervous, but not as much as I'd be if we'd be facing the Avs in the first round. That would have stunk. I can't wait for everything to get locked down so we can start out predictions. Best playoffs in sports!
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
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Punch, they have a new format for the playoffs, so the Hawks will not play SJ in the first round... They have drawn St. Louis, which quietly I think they are fist pumping...
The NHL reformatted the conferences. They sent Detroit and Columbus over to the East and brought Winnipeg to the West.. Each conference now has 2 divisions instead of 3...
8 Teams still get in from each conference, but now the way it works is that the top 3 from each division get in, then the next two best teams (regardless of division) get in.
Think of it more as an NCAA basketball style set up. There are 4 little brackets...
The division winner with the best record plays the wild card with the lowest amount of points... The other division team obviously plays the other wild card. the 2nd and 3rd teams that finished in each division play each other (CHI V STL). There is no reseeding after the first round... The winner of the Hawks series plays the winner of Col/Min... The hope was to lessen the long travel for the first and maybe even second round...
So it goes...
1 ANA/DAL 4
2 SJ/LA 3
1 COL/MIN 4
2 STL/CHI 3
1 BOS/DET 4
TB/MON (seeding to be decided as they are a point apart and TB is playing their last game right now)
1 PIT/CBJ 4
2 NYR/PHI 3
seeding only determines home ice in rounds 1 and 2. In the conference final and SC final, better record determines home ice.
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Looks like we'll have quite the challenge to start the playoffs. Hopefully we manage to win a game or two. They owned our number this season. The games got closer as the season drew on. I'm hoping for an upset special between us and the Pens.
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Looks like we'll have quite the challenge to start the playoffs. Hopefully we manage to win a game or two. They owned our number this season. The games got closer as the season drew on. I'm hoping for an upset special between us and the Pens.
Considering how the Penguins have looked in the playoffs the last few years, I think Columbus has more than a fighting chance... They stick to their game and they will be right there. I'm really interested in that series.
Other than Boston/Detroit, I think all of these could be good... I can't see Boston slipping up.
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Dang, that's right. I forgot about the whole new playoff format. Thanks for the explanation.
The Blues are beat up and aren't playing well right now, I'll take them over the Avs and Sharks. I suppose I should be careful what I wish for. Anyway, here goes...
My Predictions:
1 ANA/DAL 4 ANA in 5
2 SJ/LA 3 LA in 6
1 COL/MIN 4 COL in 4
2 STL/CHI 3 CHI in 7
1 BOS/DET 4 BOS in 5
2 TB/MON 3 MON in 6
1 PIT/CBJ 4 PIT in 5
2 NYR/PHI 3 PHI in 6
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
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I'm doing a bracket contest, and I've been going back on the LA/SJ series... Sad thing is both of those teams are cup-worthy. Kind of a shame one of them will be out after round 1.
I like the Rangers over Philly, although I can see it the other way... It just seems very lopsided in the goaltending department... Philly has firepower for offense though. Should be a fun series. Flyers fans always make the playoffs more fun.
Pretty much agree with everything else although if I'm a Pens fan, I'm at least a little worried about CBJ, because they're coming in hot.
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Sad thing is both of those teams are cup-worthy.
No one who employs Jeff "I'm an immature man-child" Carter deserves a cup.
I may or may not be bitter due to his useless tenure and awful attitude he had while in Columbus...
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Sad thing is both of those teams are cup-worthy.
No one who employs Jeff "I'm an immature man-child" Carter deserves a cup.
I may or may not be bitter due to his useless tenure and awful attitude he had while in Columbus...
I think all CBJ fans feel that way... And they have every right to.
He was crucial in the Kings 2012 cup run though... He was so good. Crazy how they came out of nowhere.
I'm really excited for the playoffs though. I'm not a big regular season fan... I understand having 82 games versus possibly scaling down to what they did last year due to the stoppage, but the Kings winning the cup 2 years ago as an 8-seed pretty much lessens the importance of the regular season...
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My first rough draft...
BOS/DET - BOS in 5
TB/MON - MON in 7
PIT/CBJ - PIT in 6
NYR/PHI - PHI in 7
ANA/DAL - ANA in 6
SJ/LAK - SJ in 7
COL/MIN - COL in 6
STL/CHI - CHI in 5
Rd. 2
BOS/MON - BOS in 7
PIT/PHI - PHI in 6
ANA/SJ - SJ in 6
COL/CHI - COL in 6
Rd. 3
BOS/PHI - BOS in 6
SJ/COL - SJ in 5
SC Final
BOS/SJ - BOS in 5
Went against my pre-season pick of the Kings. Not feeling them right now. I may regret it.
I think it's put up or shut up for San Jose. This group has been together for a while. They play on the left coast, so they're flying in low. I love their goaltending. I think the path sets up nicely for them.
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My first rough draft...
BOS/DET - BOS in 5
TB/MON - MON in 7
PIT/CBJ - PIT in 6
NYR/PHI - PHI in 7
ANA/DAL - ANA in 6
SJ/LAK - SJ in 7
COL/MIN - COL in 6
STL/CHI - CHI in 5
Rd. 2
BOS/MON - BOS in 7
PIT/PHI - PHI in 6
ANA/SJ - SJ in 6
COL/CHI - COL in 6
Rd. 3
BOS/PHI - BOS in 6
SJ/COL - SJ in 5
SC Final
BOS/SJ - BOS in 5
Went against my pre-season pick of the Kings. Not feeling them right now. I may regret it.
I think it's put up or shut up for San Jose. This group has been together for a while. They play on the left coast, so they're flying in low. I love their goaltending. I think the path sets up nicely for them.
I'm actually going to stick with this. We will see how horrible it is in a few weeks, ahaha.. What worries me is that BOS/SJ seems to be a trendy pick for the final.
Boston just seems so much better than everyone else in the East. The West seems like a meat grinder. I think all but 2 of the teams (MIN and DAL) could realistically win the whole thing. It's that deep of a conference.
If they put away teams and dodge having to go 7 games, they could have the upper hand, although they have proven that going the distance doesn't bother them. Their '11 cup run had them winning 3 game 7's.
The style they play is built for the playoffs though. Last year Chicago was easily top-to-bottom a better team, and it took a few bounces going their way to secure the cup. Boston could have easily won that series.
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Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,133 |
I think the Wings are going to cause problems for Boston. They've negated Boston's size and grittiness with speed so far this season, and have won 3 out of the 4 games against them. Detroit was written off for dead when Zetterburg and Datsyuk went down, but the youngsters have really come around the last 20 games or so. I like the momentum they're carrying into the playoffs, and there are no frickin' shootouts to worry about....which Detroit absolutely sucks at. I think it will be a tough 6-7 game series with Boston prevailing. I hope you're right about Philly taking out Pittsburgh. An Eastern final of Boston/Philly would be a good one to watch. Unfortunately, I haven't watched much of the west this year.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,186
Dawg Talker
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Dawg Talker
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,186 |
I would be thrilled if san jose could get to the finals. They're due more than any hockey team, but still skeptical they could get it done.. Hoping for a blue jackets vs sharks finals.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8,767
Hall of Famer
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Hall of Famer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8,767 |
Opening night and I'm blacked out!!!! I'm very, very angry! 
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,433
Hall of Famer
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Hall of Famer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,433 |
J/C
Crazy game in Pittsburgh! 3-3 going into the 3rd period. We're bullying Sid and Malkin. I love The Stanley Cup Playoffs!
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,133
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,133 |
Lovin' this game. The pens are taking a physical beating. I dislike them as much as I do the steelers. And as I type this they score. 
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8,767
Hall of Famer
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Hall of Famer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8,767 |
Jackets have some nice talent but still need a BIG time scorer.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,027
Legend
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OP
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,027 |
I don't think it's panic time for them yet...
Didn't get to see any of the game though, was at the movies.. Saw a bit of the Ducks/Stars.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 13,882
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 13,882 |
Quote:
Jackets have some nice talent but still need a BIG time scorer.
I'd argue they need better puck control and a stud defenseman. So many turnovers in their own end and crappy penalties. IMO, they should have won that game.
All three games last night were good. Tonight should be better.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,133
Legend
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Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19,133 |
Well, the Wings take game 1 in a goaltender battle. Rask and Howard were phenomenal. Just as in their other games this year, the Wings were quicker to the puck than Boston all game long. It did take a near miracle play by Datsyuk to win the game, though.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
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Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum NHL topic/predictions
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